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Our Correspondent:
Wokha, 16 July (EMN): There was commotion at the deputy commissioner’s complex in Wokha on Friday as women of Elumyo village gathered to protest the Village Council Chairman (VCC) election, which was held in the DC conference hall on the same day, against their demand to conduct a general meeting prior to the election.
The women of Elumyo village had organised a democratic protest and submitted a memorandum to the district administration earlier this week, on July 12, demanding boycott of the election till a general meeting is held to address the issue related misuse of public funds.
However, the deputy commissioner of Wokha, Orenthung Lotha, issued an order on July 13 for conduct of the Elumyo Village Council Chairman election in the DC conference hall on July 16 at 11 am as per Section 7 (i) of the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act 1978 and the election was conducted as per the order.
Aggrieved by the election being held against their demand, women of Elumyo village staged a protest outside the deputy commissioner’s complex on Friday by chanting slogans for justice, democracy and peace within their village, and holding banner and placards that read “We stand by our legitimate demand”, “Appeal for suspension of VCC election Elumyo", "We stand for Elumyo village general resolution", and "We want general meeting".
The district administration had mentioned in its notice issued earlier this week that it had received a memorandum appealing for suspension of VCC election at Elumyo village, citing pending final audit report and findings of the social audit committee. On this, it stated which the office had examined the matter and accordingly decided that the unresolved allegations on the misuse of village development funds would be taken up by the concerned area administrative officer as per the provision of the law.
The order stated that constituting village council is important for smooth functioning of the village administration and developmental activities. It added that the status of elected VCMs/VCC would be subjected to the outcome of the enquiry into the unresolved issues and if they are indicted.
